Diana Boyd

The closure of the firm’s Bridge Street premises resulted in a number of redundancies.

Boyd Legal will continue to provide wills and trusts, estates and executry advice. Estate agency and conveyancing will also be offered but court work and family law services will not continue.

Boyd Legal managing director, Diana Boyd, said: “We have worked closely with Somerville & Russell to ensure there will be a stress-free and efficient transfer of the firm’s private client business and would assure those clients that they are guaranteed a professional service which will meet all of their requirements.

“We understand that for individuals and families engaged in arranging wills and executory matters this can be a challenging and sometimes daunting time, but our team of experienced legal professionals has many years of combined experience of dealing in these issues.

“While there will be no longer a presence in Musselburgh, the important thing is that clients who are transferring over to Boyd Legal will notice no discernible difference in the quality of legal advice and professional and personal support that will be at their disposal.

“We have Somerville & Russell clients’ deeds and wills in safe storage and will be writing to clients to reassure them about continuity of service. For all Musselburgh and East Lothian clients we can offer telephone and online assistance, and home visits where requested.”

Ms Boyd added: “Sadly, the closure of Somerville & Russell illustrates the continued consolidation of the legal sector caused by the effects of the Covid pandemic and economic uncertainty.”